If the Government does not take action before the end of February to hold the Dublin North by-election, the Labour Party will force the issue by moving the writ for Limerick East.
Since the Limerick East seat was held by a Labour deputy, the party is entitled to move the byelection writ. Should the party pre-empt the government from the by-election would be likely to take place in mid-March.
Senior Labour sources yesterday said they wanted voting to take place before St Patrick's Day, and would move the writ for the by-election to replace the late Mr Jim Kemmy unless the Government decided to proceed.
Government sources last night said that no decision had been made on when the by-elections would take place.